Bill to stop forced marriages has unanimous support
NewsHub 8 June 2017
Family First Comment: This law change makes sense. But it’s interesting that a 16-17 year old needs help when deciding to marry, but doesn’t need any help when having an abortion!
A Bill that protects teenagers from being forced into marriage has passed its first reading with unanimous support, and is on its way to becoming law.
When it is in law, 16 and 17-year-olds who want to marry will have to apply to the Family Court and a judge must grant permission.
The marriageable age is 18 and marriage under 16 is illegal.
However, 16 and 17-year-olds can marry with parental consent. It happens on average about 80 times a year.
Ms Hayes said forced marriage occurred in New Zealand, and young women were often brought into the country for that purpose.
“There’s no doubt it’s a horrific cultural practise,” she said.
“Forced marriage, child marriage, sickens me and we have to stop it happening in New Zealand.”
The Bill defines a forced marriage as one where one or both of the people do not or cannot consent to the marriage.
“The pressure put on people to marry against their will can be physical or emotional and psychological,” the Bill states.
READ MORE: http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/06/bill-to-stop-forced-marriages-has-unanimous-support.html
